Joint for connecting a longitudinal side to an upper side of components and flexible strip for use in such a joint

ABSTRACT

Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component ( 4 ) with an upper surface of a second component (T 3 ) with at least two cooperating bands ( 41   a,    41   b;    42   a,    42   b;    51   a,    51   b;    61   a,    61   b;    71   a,    71   b ), which are secured with their first ends (E 1 ) respectively on different sides lying opposite one another of the first component (T 4 ), and which are secured with their second ends (E 2 ) on respectively one clamping element ( 45, 46; 52   a,    52   b;    62   a,    62   b;    72   a,    72   b ) arranged on the second component (T 3 ), in such a manner so that these intersect the longitudinal center axis (A) of the first component (T 4 ) in opposite directions in the area between the components (T 3,  T 4 ), with a pressure element  15  positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component (T 3 ), whereby the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another as seen in the axial direction (R 1 ).

The invention relates to a joint for a component-arrangement, in which a longitudinal side of a first component faces toward an upper surface of a second component, as well as a flexible band for use for such a joint.

For improving the aerodynamic characteristics of wings, concepts for a wing with a variable profile that is adjustable via control mechanisms are known from the general state of the art. These concepts, however, use relatively many movable parts and joints, which mean a high effort and expense with respect to their fabrication and assembly.

For example, the U.S. Pat. No. 4,349,169 discloses a lifting wing with a profile that is variable by means of an actuator drive. Drive rods of the actuator drive are connected by means of joints with the structure of the lifting wing, whereby the axial direction of the joints extends in the span direction. Thereby, a profile variation is indeed possible, if plural actuator drives with corresponding operating rods are arranged one behind another as seen in the span direction. The profile shape variation disclosed therein, however, is achieved over the entire span direction in this arrangement.

Furthermore, from the EP 860 355, there is disclosed an aerodynamic component with variable camber, which is formed of articulately supported ribs with an outer belt and several stiffening struts that have a constant length and that engage on this outer belt. For deforming the component, the stiffening struts are operated by actuators in such a manner so that the stiffening struts move in the rib longitudinal direction or flow direction.

From the DE 28 07 648 C2, a foldable wall is known, with wall parts connected with one another through a fabric joint. The fabric joint is a band that is provided with a rim or edge rib on its longitudinal edges. The edge rib is held in a groove extending longitudinally along the side face of the wall part with a corresponding recess that is wider relative to the groove.

The object of the invention is to provide a joint that is simply constructed and simply installable, and represents an alternative to the presently utilized joints.

This object is achieved with the characterizing features of the independent patent claims. Further embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.

According to the invention there is provided a joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component with an upper surface of a second component with at least two cooperating bands, which are secured with their first ends E1 respectively on different sides lying opposite one another of the first component, and which are secured with their second ends E2 on respectively one clamping element arranged on the second component in such a manner, so that these intersect the longitudinal center axis of the first component in opposite directions in the area between the components, with a pressure element for supporting the first component positioned on at least one clamping element, whereby the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise or transversely relative to one another as seen in the axial direction. The bands can be formed of at least two plies of a fiber-reinforced composite material or a different synthetic plastic or a textile material. The bands can extend in their longitudinal direction at an angle β relative to the axial direction of the structure-joint, whereby the angle β amounts to not equal to 90 degrees for taking up the shear forces to be transmitted through the joint. The bands can be secured between a clamping element and the second component.

In the following, the invention is described in connection with the accompanying figures. It is shown by:

FIG. 1 a schematic perspective illustration of an embodiment of the inventive joint, in which the kinetics and kinematics are entered in an arrow representation;

FIG. 2 the embodiment of the joint according to the FIG. 1 in section, with an arrow representation of the kinetics and kinematics;

FIG. 3 a further embodiment as a variant A of the inventive joint;

FIG. 4 a further embodiment as a variant B of the inventive joint;

FIG. 5 a further embodiment as a variant C of the inventive joint;

FIG. 6 a a schematic illustration of the shear force course or path in the use of flexible band for a joint, which, according to the invention, is not fixed, but rather formed as a woven web, for example;

FIG. 6 b a schematic illustration of the shear force course or path in the use of flexible band for a joint, which is fixed in a matrix, thus for example in a resin layer.

Flexible joint-bands or bands or flexible straps or belt elements that are constructed of at least two layers or plies of a material, whereby the layers or plies are not fixed with one another in the free joint area F, are used for the inventive joints for the jointed or articulated connection of two components that are movable relative to one another. In the following, that area or region that lies between the components that are connected with one another, is understood as the free joint region or area FG. The free joint area FG is also that area of the bands, at which the bands of the joint do not lie in contact on the components in each of the prescribed positions thereof. In contrast, each flexible band provided according to the invention comprises a fixed area or region B, at which the band is secured to the respective component or is fixedly connected therewith. Areas or regions can also be included on these bands, which indeed lie in contact on the component or the components, but which are not fixed or secured thereto.

The inventive joint is a structure-joint, because it can be formed, in its sub-parts, of materials that comprise similar characteristics as the components that are connected with this, so that the behavior of the joint corresponds to the behavior of the components even under the influence of forces or under tensions or stresses.

A fiber-reinforced composite (FV) material or a different synthetic plastic or a textile material or woven web is especially provided as the material for the bands used according to the invention. The provided bands are formed of at least two plies of the above referenced material. The plies are not fixed to one another in the area F, thus in the region between the components T1, T2 that are to be connected with the joint, in order to keep the shear forces FS of the arising shear force path or course V-FS as small as possible (FIG. 6 a). Otherwise, a disadvantageous course or path of shear forces FS would arise (FIG. 6 b).

In the FIGS. 1 to 5 there is an inventive structure-joint or an inventive structure joint-arrangement for the connection of at least two components T3 and T4, which are shown in a neutral position. In this position, the components form a T-arrangement. Fundamentally, the components can form an angled arrangement in their neutral position. The joint connection shown in the FIGS. 1 to 5 serves for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component T4 with an upper surface of a second component T3, in which at least one pressure element arranged between the longitudinal side and the upper surface for forming a free joint area FG and two flexible bands cooperating therewith are utilized.

According to the invention, there is provided a joint connection for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component T4 with an upper surface of a second component T3 with at least two cooperating bands, which are secured with their first ends E1 respectively on different sides lying opposite one another of the first component T4, and which are secured with their second ends E2 on respectively one clamping element arranged on the second component T3 in such a manner, so that the paths thereof in relation to a longitudinal center axis A of the first component T4 extend opposite one another or these intersect the longitudinal center axis A of the first component in opposite directions in the area between the components, or that these intersect the longitudinal center axis A of the first component in opposite directions in the area between the components, with a pressure element positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component T3, whereby the bands extend crosswise or transversely relative to one another as seen in the axial direction R1 and laterally next to the pressure element. Especially, the components, in interaction with the at least one pressure element, form, laterally adjacent thereto, a free joint area FG or two free joint areas, in which the bands respectively extend from one to the other component. Thereby, the bands can be arranged on one side of the pressure element or respectively one on both sides thereof. Preferably, two pressure elements are provided, in order to achieve a stable support of the pertinent component T4.

The bands can extend in their longitudinal direction at an angle β relative to the axial direction R2 of the structure-joint, whereby the angle β can especially amount to not equal to 90 degrees for taking up shear forces to be transmitted through the joint.

The joint or joint arrangement 40 shown in FIG. 1 as a schematic principle illustration, comprises two arrangements with respectively two flexible bands 41 a, 41 b or respectively 42 a, 42 b as well as a total of three pressure elements 15, whereby one pressure element between the two arrangements of bands and respectively one pressure element laterally next to the two arrangements of bands. Two clamping elements 45, 46 in the form of clamping plates are arranged on the component T3, whereby one clamping element 45 or 46 is positioned on each side of the component T4.

The extension or path of the bands is as follows in the illustrated example embodiment: Each flexible band 41 a, 41 b or 42 a, 42b extends from a first side of the component T4—for example the side 47—into the area between the component T3 and the clamping element that lies next to the component T4, and particularly on the side lying opposite to the first side of the component T4—thus in the example next to the side 48. From there, the flexible band extends around along the side of the clamping element 45 facing away from the component T4, onto the free side of the clamping element facing away from the component T3, where the band is preferably secured. To each flexible band, at least one further flexible band is arranged, which is laid from the component T4 around the clamping element opposite the described path. The kinematics in this arrangement dependent on the angles α and β is illustrated in the FIG. 8. The angle a is the angle spanned by the bands 45, 46 in the free joint area FG in relation to the upper surface of the component T3.

Various different alternatives for the course or path of the bands and the positions of the clamping elements relative to the component T4 are illustrated in the FIGS. 3 to 5, whereby respectively only two bands are shown. Fundamentally, two or more than two bands can be used for the inventive joint. The description of the path thereof is described essentially in connection with one of the two illustrated bands. The course or path of the at least one further band results correspondingly, in order to achieve a force flux opposite one another arising in the bands—as it is shown in the FIG. 2.

The respectively illustrated component T4 is oriented in its neutral position with its crosswise or transverse direction R3 angularly on the upper surface of the component T3. In the FIGS. 3 to 5, as an example, an angle of 90 degrees is illustrated for this neutral position. Thereby, a first band is guided around a first clamping element and a second band is guided around a second clamping element as seen from the component T4, whereby the bands lie one behind another as seen in the axial direction of the joint or in the longitudinal direction R1 of the components in the free joint area FG, and their longitudinal directions run crossed-over one another. According to the invention, at least two cooperating bands are used, which are secured with their first ends E1 respectively on different sides lying opposite one another of the first component T4, and which are respectively secured on a clamping element arranged on a second component T3, whereby the position of the clamping elements allow a securing of the bands on sides that are opposite one another in relation to a center axis A of the first component T4. Thus, according to the invention, the paths of at least two bands are opposite one another in relation to a longitudinal center axis of the first component T4.

The clamping elements, together with the bands, are preferably secured by means of connection elements on the component T3. A pressure element 15 is arranged in such a manner on one clamping element or on both clamping elements (FIG. 5) so that the component T4 is supported in its provided joint positions on a corresponding bearing support surface 15 a of the pressure element 15. For that purpose, one or both clamping elements can respectively comprise a tongue Z or a contact area AB for receiving a pressure element 15. A contact area AB can be arranged on a tongue Z. The tongue Z of a clamping element protrudes into the area between the second component T3 and the side surface of the first component T4 facing toward this component T3. The tongues, lying one behind another in the axial direction R2, of clamping elements successively following one another in this direction, overlap one another. Since the bands contact or lie on these facing surfaces of the tongues Z, the bands are guided in such a manner, so that bands lying respectively next to one another as seen in the axial direction R2 cross one another (see FIGS. 3 to 5).

The two flexible bands 51 a, 51 b secured on the component T4 are used-in the embodiment according to the FIG. 3. Both clamping elements protrude with their cross-sections so far into the extension of the component T4 in its longitudinal direction R3, so that the bands beginning from the component T4 extend transversely relative to one another and positioned next to one another in the free joint area. A fictitious intersection point P of the bands arises as seen in the longitudinal direction of the components T3, T4. This point P is the turning or pivot point of the joint.

The respective band, beginning from the component T4, after extending through the free joint area FG can be guided between the component T3 and either the first clamping element 52 a (FIG. 3) or the second clamping element 52 b (FIG. 4), in order to then be secured on the free upper surface of the pertinent clamping element 52 a or 52 b respectively. Beginning from one side of the component T4, each band runs or extends through the free joint area FG up to the component T3, and crosses the longitudinal center axis A of the component T4 while extending through the free joint area. From there, the band extends around the cross-section of one clamping element, and in fact at first through between the two clamping elements, and then at least partially into the area between one of the clamping elements and the component T3, and preferably around the free outer side of the same clamping element up to a prescribed portion of the free outer side of the same clamping element.

Each band is guided through an area that is kept free or clear of two clamping elements or a passage D. The position of this kept-free or clear area is positioned either in the area of the cross-section of the extension of the component T4 in the direction toward the component T3 (FIGS. 3 and 4) or laterally next to this area (FIG. 5). This area is, however, positioned in such a manner so that the pertinent band can be guided from one side of the component T4 over the center axis of the component T4 on the pivot point P in the free joint area FG. From there, this band extends either in the direction in which it crosses the center axis A, to a clamping element (FIGS. 4 and 5), where it is secured between this and the component T3. Alternatively, the band is secured between a clamping element and the component T3, on that side in relation to the center axis A on which it is secured on the component T4.

The securing of the pertinent band on its first end E1 on the component T4 is carried out in various different ways according to the state of the art. The band can be adhesively bonded or secured by means of connection elements on the component T4.

A fiber-reinforced composite (FV) material or a different synthetic plastic or a textile material or woven web is especially provided as the material for the bands used according to the invention. The provided bands are formed of at least two plies of the above referenced material. The plies are not fixed to one another in the area F, thus in the area between the components T1, T2 that are to be connected with the joint, in order to keep the shear forces FS of the arising shear force path or course V-FS as small as possible (FIG. 6 a). Otherwise, a disadvantageous course or path of shear forces FS would arise (FIG. 6 b).

The fixing or securing of the bands on the component T3 can be achieved according to the state of the art, thus for example through adhesive bonding, through securing elements, or through a melting fusion of the materials of the respective band with the respective component.

Preferably, the securing of the bands on their second end E2 on the respective clamping element is achieved by means of connection elements. In the FIGS. 9 to 11 it is shown on a first clamping element by means of at least one connection element 54 a, that extends perpendicularly to the component T3 and to the first clamping element 52 a, and that extends through the component T3, through the first clamping element 52 a and the section of the band positioned therebetween. Preferably, the pertinent band is guided around the rim or edge side 56 a of the clamping element 52 a facing away from the component T4 onto outer side 57 a lying opposite to the component T3. The first connection element 54 a thus extends on the one hand through an area of the flexible band positioned between the first clamping element 52 a and the component T3, as well as an area of the band positioned on the outer side 57 a of the clamping element 52 a. For that purpose, a corresponding bored hole for receiving the first connection element 54 a is arranged in the first clamping element 52 a.

Preferably, a hollow space H is provided in the first clamping element 52 a, through which the first connection element 54 a extends. The hollow space H is advantageously open to the component T3. Through the hollow space H, during tightening of the first connection element 54 a, the first clamping element 52 a is lengthened or stretched in the transverse direction R2 of the clamping element 52 a, this in the longitudinal direction of the band, in order to stress or tension the pertinent band.

Advantageously, a second connection element 54 a is provided close to the free joint area FG or close to the component T4. This second connection element 54 a extends—like the first connection element 54 a—through the component T3, through an area of the flexible band positioned between the first clamping element 52 a and the component T3, through the first clamping element 52 a as well as through an area of the band positioned on the outer side 57 a of the clamping element 52 a. A corresponding bored hole is arranged in the first clamping element 52 a for receiving the first connection element 54 a.

The second clamping element 52 b is secured on the component T3 by means of a further connection element 54 c. The position thereof is provided relative to the first clamping element 52 a so that the flexible band can be guided between these. The second clamping element 52 b can additionally be provided for securing a further flexible band 51 a of the same joint. Thereby, the course or path thereof is then opposite in relation to the center axis A and preferably symmetrical to the course or path of the band secured on the first clamping element.

At least two flexible bands extending oppositely in relation to a center axis A of the component T4 are arranged according to the invention, whereby the securing of the at least two bands are secured on at least two clamping elements 52 a, 52 b extending transversely to the longitudinal direction of the components T3, T4. Also more than two, thus for example four clamping elements can be used for the securing of the at least two bands. These are then arranged offset relative to one another in a manner transversely to the longitudinal direction R1 of the components T3, T4 in such a manner, so that the flexible bands can be laid around the contact surfaces of the respective clamping elements while lying next to one another and extending crossed-over in the free joint area FG.

An alternative course or path of a flexible band 61 a according to the invention is illustrated in the FIG. 4. The flexible band 61 a is secured on a first clamping element 62 a, which is arranged on the opposite side in relation to the center axis A of the component T4. For that purpose, the second clamping element 62 b protrudes correspondingly far into the extension of the cross-section of the component T4 in the direction toward the component T3, in order to form the intersection point of the corresponding extensions of the bands 61 a, 61 b in the component longitudinal direction R1, which is preferably the pivot point P of the components.

In the embodiment of the FIG. 11 with the bands 71 a, 71 b, the clamping elements 72 a, 72 b are arranged in such a manner so that the passage D formed thereby is positioned in the area of the extension of the cross-section of the component T4 to the component T3.

A contact element can be arranged according to the invention on the side of the pressure element facing toward the first component T4. This contact element can comprise a sliding layer, that is positioned on that surface of the contact element that faces toward the first component T4. Furthermore, the side of the contact element facing toward the first component T4 can comprise a larger radius of curvature than the surface of the first component T4 facing this surface, in order to reduce arising compressive stresses. 

1-11. (canceled)
 12. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) with at least two cooperating bands (41a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b), which are secured with their first ends (E1) respectively on different sides lying opposite one another of the first component (T4), and which are secured with their second ends (E2) on respectively one clamping element (45, 46; 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) arranged on the second component (T3), in such a manner so that these intersect the longitudinal center axis (A) of the first component (T4) in opposite directions in the area between the components (T3, T4), with a pressure element 15 positioned on at least one clamping element for supporting the first component (T3), whereby the bands extend laterally next to the pressure element and crosswise relative to one another as seen in the axial direction (R1), and whereby the bands (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) are secured between one clamping element (45, 46; 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) and the second component.
 13. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to the claim 12, characterized in that the bands (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) are formed of at least two plies of a fiber-reinforced composite material or a different synthetic plastic or a textile material.
 14. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to the claim 12, characterized in that the bands (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) extends in their longitudinal direction in an angle f relative to the axial direction (R2) of the structure-joint, whereby the angle β amounts to not equal to 90 degrees for taking up shear forces to be transmitted through the joint.
 15. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the bands (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) is respectively guided through the area between one clamping element (45, 46; 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b) and the second component up to the upper surface of the clamping element positioned opposite this area, and the bands is secured by means of a connection element (54 a, 54 c), that protrudes through the second component, the clamping element, and an area of the respective band positioned between the clamping element and the second component as well as an area of the respective band on the second component.
 16. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to claim 12, characterized in that comprises a hollow space (H) that is deformable by means of a clamping element (45, 46; 52 a, 52 b, 62 a, 62 b; 72 a, 72 b), in order to change the extension of the clamping element extending in the longitudinal direction of the respective band for tensioning the band.
 17. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to claim 12, characterized in that the bands (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) are arranged one behind another as seen in the axial direction.
 18. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to claim 12, characterized in that a contact element is arranged on the side of the pressure element (15) facing toward the first component (T4).
 19. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to the claim 18, characterized in that the contact element comprises a sliding layer, which is positioned on that surface of the contact element that faces toward the first component (T4).
 20. Joint for the connection of a longitudinal side of a first component (T4) with an upper surface of a second component (T3) according to claim 18, characterized in that the side of the contact element facing toward the first component (T4) comprises a larger radius of curvature than the surface of the first component (T4) facing toward this side, in order to reduce arising compressive stresses.
 21. Flexible band for use in a joint-connection according to claim 12, characterized in that the band (41 a, 41 b; 42 a, 42 b; 51 a; 51 b; 61 a, 61 b; 71 a, 71 b) is formed of at least two plies of a fiber-reinforced composite material or a different synthetic plastic or a textile material. 